Hey there, Danielle! Thank you so much for bringing this extra special question to us at planDisney.
First, happiest early birthday wishes to your soon to be three-year-old Mousketeer. Celebrating such a big milestone with a large group of family and friends sounds absolutely magical. I can already picture the smiles, the birthday photos, and the memories you will treasure long after the candles are blown out. With a group of about 35, be sure to take advantage of the many talented
PhotoPass Photographers throughout Disneyland Resort so no one has to be behind the camera for those special moments.
When it comes a birthday visit, you picked a wonderful time to visit. The Holidays at Disneyland Resort are truly something special, and while exact dates can vary slightly from year to year, the parks are historically in full festive swing by mid-November, though official dates for 2026 have not yet been announced. In 2025, the holiday season officially kicked off on November 14th. Once Halloween wraps up, holiday magic begins appearing almost overnight with twinkling lights, garlands, seasonal touches throughout the parks, and the iconic snowy transformation of
Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Disney typically shares those confirmed dates in the summer, so I recommend keeping an eye on the
Disney Parks Blog for the most up to date announcements.
With a group as large as yours, a little advance meal planning will go a long way. Most table service restaurants at Disneyland Resort are not able to accommodate reservations for groups of around 35 in a single booking. Even splitting into two large reservations is often not possible due to seating layouts and capacity limits, especially during the busy holiday season.
Instead, I recommend planning more flexible dining options.
Quick service restaurants are a fantastic choice for large groups since everyone can order at their own pace and find seating nearby. You may also consider splitting into smaller groups for meals, aiming to eat around the same time and in the same area of the park. This approach keeps things relaxed and avoids the pressure of coordinating one massive reservation.
Danielle, I hope your family celebration is filled with holiday sparkle, birthday joy, and memories that last a lifetime. If you have more questions as you plan, we would be happy to help, stop back by and see us!
Many magical memories to you,
Kimberly